UKGC: Zero Referrals for Misuse of Gambling Statistics
A Freedom of Information request reveals no parties were reported to the statistics watchdog for misusing official gambling data since late 2024.
The UK Gambling Commission has not referred any organisation to the Office for Statistics Regulation for misusing statistics since October 2024. A Freedom of Information disclosure confirms the regulator holds no records of such referrals, a key process for ensuring data integrity in public debate.
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No Formal Complaints Over Misuse of Official Data
A Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has revealed that the regulator made no referrals to the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) concerning the misuse of statistics between October 2024 and August 2025.
The response, published following a request dated 11 August 2025, confirms that the Commission holds no records of having referred any external parties to the UK’s independent statistics watchdog during this period.
Why This Matters for Consumers
Official statistics published by the UKGC are a cornerstone of public understanding of the gambling industry. They are used by policymakers, health organisations, researchers, and the media to analyse trends in participation, operator revenue, and rates of problem gambling. The integrity of this data is crucial for informed debate and effective regulation.
The Office for Statistics Regulation has the power to investigate and publicly rule on cases where official statistics are misused or misrepresented by any organisation. A referral from a body like the Gambling Commission would signify a serious concern about the way its data was being used in the public domain.
Breakdown of the Findings
The FOI request specifically asked for “the names of any parties referred to the Office for Statistics Regulation in relation to the misuse of statistics since October 2024.”
The UKGC’s concise response stated: “The Gambling Commission can confirm that there is no information held falling within the scope of your request.”
This means that over the approximate 10-month period, the regulator did not identify any instance of statistical misuse by an external party that it deemed serious enough to escalate to the OSR for a formal investigation.
In its response, the Commission also highlighted its own commitment to data accuracy, noting that it publishes all requests for corrections to its own official statistics on a quarterly basis. This process, however, is distinct from policing how other organisations use its published data.
Industry Significance and Data Trust
The absence of referrals can be interpreted in several ways. It could suggest that organisations that use UKGC data—such as campaign groups, media outlets, and gambling operators—have done so responsibly and without misrepresentation. Alternatively, it may indicate that the threshold for the UKGC to make a formal referral to the OSR is very high.
For consumers, this finding provides a measure of reassurance. It indicates that, from the regulator's official standpoint, there have been no egregious, formal cases of statistical manipulation brought to the attention of the national watchdog. However, it also underscores the importance of consumers critically evaluating all statistics presented to them, understanding their source, and considering the context in which they are used.